Stir Fried Bitter Melon with Fermented Black Beans
By Maggie Zhu
5 from 2 votes
Prep Time: 5 minutesminutes
Cook Time: 10 minutesminutes
Total Time: 15 minutesminutes
Servings: 4
This quick, tasty, and healthy side dish will surprise you with its beautiful simplicity and rich flavor. {Gluten-Free adaptable, Vegetarian}
Ingredients
2(1 lbs / 450 g) medium or 3 smallbitter melons
1tablespoonpeanut oil(or vegetable oil)
1dried chili pepper, broken into 2 to 3 pieces (Optional)
3clovesgarlic, minced
2tablespoonsfermented black beans, coarsely chopped (or black bean sauce)
1tablespoonsoy sauce(or tamari for gluten-free)
1teaspoonsugar
Instructions
Remove and discard the ends of the bitter melons. Halve lengthwise, and scoop out seeds and pith with a small metal spoon and discard. Slice crosswise into 1/4” (6 mm) half-moon pieces.
Bring a small pot of water to a boil. Add the bitter melon slices. Let cook for 30 seconds or so, until half-cooked. Drain the bitter melon with a colander and set aside.
Heat oil in a large nonstick pan (or a wok) over medium-high heat until hot. Add the dried chili pepper (if using), garlic, and fermented black beans, stir a few times until fragrant. Add the blanched bitter melon slices and stir for 1 minute or so. Add soy sauce and sugar. Stir until the bitter melon is just tender, 1 minute or so. Taste the bitter melon. Sprinkle with more salt and stir again, if needed. Once done, transfer everything to a plate.